Perhaps you are a beginner or an intermediate piano player who wants to one day play with an acoustic piano, but the piano is beyond your affordability?
Worry no more as, through innovation and improvement with technology, there has been developed a piano that replicates the grand piano. The product is a digital piano which is an electronic musical instrument, it is loved for its versatile features like portability, compactness, and affordability.
Below we look at the in-depth information about the best digital piano with 88 weighted keys and their reviews. Let’s dive in.
Best digital piano with 88 weighted keys – Top 6 options
Benefits of buying the best digital piano with 88 weighted keys
At times, you may wonder why you should buy an 88 key weighted digital piano which seems to be a little pricey than the unweighted or semi-weighted keys. But it’s worth noting that weighted keys have great benefits for you as a user.
Below are the benefits of buying the best digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
1. Easier adjustment to an acoustic instrument
This digital piano is made with similar features to that of an acoustic piano. This is because the acoustic piano has 88 keys which produce different sounds on lower and higher-end while differs with touch sensitivity.
Having been accustomed to this kind of piano, you can easily adjust to the acoustic piano without any challenge.
2. More effective practicing
A digital piano with 88 weighted keys has resistance when pressing the keys. That is, for you to produce a heavier sound you have to press the key with more pressure while the lighter the sound is determined by light pressure.
When practicing you will be able to encourage your fingers strength which is similar to taking them to the gym. Therefore, you will know how effective the practice is advancing. They also prepare you on how to play an acoustic piano.
3. Portability
Unlike the acoustic piano, which is very heavy and cannot be moved by one person, the digital piano is lightweight.
As much as it has all the features emulating the acoustic piano, they are lightweight and enable you to move from one place to another carrying them conveniently.
You can travel to different locations taking piano classes or for gigs easily.
4. They don’t need tuning
In the market, there are a variety of pianos that require to be tuned for them to sound relative to how the players want them.
However, when you buy the digital piano with 88 weighted keys, there is no need for retuning after a short duration as they do not lose their tones after a while. This makes them more versatile than any other pianos.
5. You can use headphones
Most digital pianos have headphones inputs and a jack enabling you to connect with the digital piano and listen to how you are playing by yourself.
Also, plugging them makes you eliminate distractions from the surrounding environment making the practice private.
Reviews of the 7 best digital piano with 88 weighted keys
1. Best with sustain pedal – Yamaha P115 88-key weighted action electronic piano
Brilliant features
- It has a sustain pedal for controlled sound.
- The piano sounds are outstanding.
- It has an excellent finish.
Watch out for
- It does not have a stand.
Are you looking for a digital piano with user-friendly features and improved sound quality for your home or stage? The Yamaha P115 digital piano is what you are searching for.
The 88-weighted key piano comes with a graded hammer standard where the lower end is heavier while it’s lighter on the higher end, emulating an acoustic piano.
It also comes with a PA150 power supply and sustain pedal. The pedals enable you to play a couple of notes with your fingers while sustaining a particular tone for a controlled period.
The sound produced from this digital piano is of high quality as the AUX Out jack allows you to connect to an external amplifier or powered stereo, giving you a powerful performance.
The piano also allows you to have a digital piano controller app that enables you to control many functions with your Apple or Android devices. It comes with Pianist styles whereby playing simple chords provides you with exciting accompaniment.
2. Best with organ sound – Korg B1SP 88 key digital piano with bench
Brilliant features
- It’s designed for beginners and professional players.
- Ability to recreate ranges of sound due to 3 pedal units.
- Has 3 acoustic piano sounds.
Watch out for
- There is only one output jack.
If you are looking for a digital piano that sounds just like the grand piano while playing other authentic sounds, the Korg digital piano is your best choice.
Korg B1SP utilizes the Motional Feedback Technology that is responsible for ensuring that you get a high-quality sound as it compensates for any sound coloration resulting in the production of a natural-sounding performance.
The active servo system helps in minimizing distortion by counterbalancing the mechanical motions of your speakers.
Korg B1SP digital piano is made with a weighted hammer keyboard which guarantees you to get excellent sound, realistic piano feel, and ease of use without exerting force.
This piano is the new in-line in the Korg series thus the entry-level piano is joined with the new piano that has a set including a stand, 3-pedal unit, stand, sound, touch, and design which stands out when you are choosing the piano.
Also, emulating a grand piano, it simulates seven other instruments that are, harpsichord and two other organs.
3. Best rated – Yamaha P-125 white weighted digital piano kit
Brilliant features
- It has touch sensitivity on the keys.
- Has a split mode.
- USB to Host connectivity.
Watch out for
- Some customers may not like the white colors.
Are you a beginner or an intermediate player who would want to figure out what chords are to your favorite songs in an easy-to-use digital piano? The Yamaha P-125 has everything for you.
Your playing experience with this piano will be enhanced as it has GHS weighted action where it’s heavier on the lower side while it’s lighter on the higher side, emulating a grand piano.
The piano is designed with special matte black keys which can absorb moisture and remain tactile even after extended use without being slippery.
The Yamaha P-125 allows USB to HOST connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer hence you can access your favorite song from your music library or music-making software.
It comes with a split mode which enables you to play different voices on each side, that making playtime more enjoyable and fun. It ensures the production of authentic sound as comes with a 2-way speaker system which allows the production of sound in upwards and downwards direction just like a grand piano does.
4. Best with remote control Bluetooth – LAGRIMA 88 Key weighted hammer action piano
Brilliant features
- It has Bluetooth remote control.
- Features three-pedal system.
- The piano is sleek and beautiful.
Watch out for
- No clear instruction for assembly.
LAGRIMA 88 Weighted Key digital piano is a versatile accessory with high-quality features to take your playing experience to the next level.
This digital piano comes with 3 soft-pedal systems, sustain, and sostenuto which creates soft, sustain notes longer without affecting the other produced.
Besides, it has an LCD screen, 80 demo songs, 600 rhythms, a built-in stereo speaker, and other instrument sounds. All these features are in this piano to enhance your playing skills and experience.
If you want to learn lessons easily from external devices like your computer, tablet, or phone and want to connect it to the external speakers, the digital piano features USB/MIDI/ Audio input and output to enable these functions.
Also, it features headphone input that allows you to keep the piano playing privately and also eliminating disturbing those people around you.
It has Bluetooth remote control that is a smart design enabling you to connect the phone, iPad with Bluetooth, and later operate the piano conveniently by remote control.
5. Best sound – Casio Privia PX-870 piano with 88 weighted keys
Brilliant features
- It comes with an instructional book and DVDs, and online lessons.
- It has amazing sounds.
- Sports 128-note polyphony.
Watch out for
- It is heavy.
Are you looking for a digital piano that gives you authentic sounds and feels while adopting a stylish modern design? Then Casio Privia PX-870 is your best option in the market.
The fully 88 weighted keys digital piano comes with weighted hammer action, thus emulating the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. It comes with simulated ebony and ivory texture which makes it an elegant piece in your home.
With Casio Privia, there is no worry about the keypad accumulating dirt as it has a stylish, modern wooden cabinet with a sliding key cover.
It comes with a 4-speaker system that produces powerful stunning sound projections, audible to you and by the audience when playing on a stage. Besides, it has new piano sounds with detailed resonance and 18 more other tones.
The digital piano that is conversant with beginners, intermediate and professional users comes with versatile recording, practice, and performance tools that make music production smooth.
6. Best portable – Roland GO 88-key weighted digital keyboard piano
Brilliant features
- Adjustable weight of keys.
- Great sound quality.
- Awesome Bluetooth and headphone connection.
Watch out for
- None.
When you are looking for a portable and affordable digital piano for allowing you to play anytime, Roland Go is your ideal digital piano in the market.
Enjoy a premium piano performance with Roland Go as it’s compact and lightweight hence you can store it anywhere and you can easily carry it around.
The piano comes with built-in speakers thus audible to your audience, and it’s battery-powered hence not tied down to playing in areas with electrical connectivity. Also, you can privatize your playing with the use of headphones.
It has a full wireless operation with battery power and Bluetooth connectivity therefore supporting the attendance of the music lessons conveniently from your smartphone or tablets.
The daily practice is made easy due to the metronome, transpose, and recording features. It is also inclusive of sustain pedals, power adapter, and music rest.
It comes with 128-voice polyphony thus enabling you to play a variety of tones with different sounds at the same time. Through partnering with Skoove, Roland offers free online lessons, interactive courses, and unlimited access to songs.
7. Best price – William Legato 88-Key digital piano with semi-weighted keys
Brilliant features
- The semi-weighted key gives you the flexibility to play the piano.
- Great value for your money.
- A great tool for learning and practice.
Watch out for
- Does not come with headphones, a power adapter, and sustain pedals.
William Legato is an outstanding deal of digital piano as it comes at an affordable price with a variety of great sounds.
The digital piano comes with 88 semi-weighted keys and five rich sounds including organ, electric piano, synth, piano, and bass that makes you play music with different sounds as you wish.
It also has built-in speakers and stereo/ mono line out jacks hence the ability to play for your favorite crowd on its own or through an amplifier.
The William Legato operates through 6 x D-cell 1.5 V batteries hence using it would not worry you about having a power source around. The piano is portable since it’s lightweight enabling you to perform and practice whenever and wherever you are.
It features a split and layer function that combines sound and a built-in metronome to enhance a great playing performance. It uses a sustain pedal, power adapter, and headphones which are not included in the shipment.
Things to consider when buying the best 88 weighted digital piano
In the market are a variety of digital pianos with 88 weighted keys, therefore, you might get confused about which is the best digital piano to buy.
It is of great importance to know how to choose the best for an enhanced playing experience. Below we focus on how to choose the best digital piano with 88 weighted keys.
1. Sound quality
When playing, every player wants to listen to high-quality sounds being emitted from the digital piano. The 88 weighted keys are made to emulate the sounds of a natural, realistic acoustic piano.
The determinant of the production of better quality sound is digital memory. The better the memory the more realistic sound it will produce.
Also, check on the quality of the built-in speakers and amplifiers. The better the quality in return produces high-quality sounds.
2. Tools for learning
Digital pianos mostly come with these features which are suitable for beginners. The reverbs, chorus, and built-in metronome are in pursuit of helping you stay in the rhythm.
The key can come with stickers to enable the player to know the appropriate key to play without confusion. The accompaniment tracks, recording, and playback functions go a long way in ensuring that a beginner or intermediate user is honing their playing skills.
Consider a digital piano with the most learning tools.
3. Portability
When choosing the best 88 weighted keys, you should consider whether you can move from one area to another when conveniently carrying it around.
If you want your digital piano to play in a certain location only there is no need to buy a lightweight piano, while if you perform gigs in different places and attend classes and lessons, choose a 88 weighted key piano you can carry anywhere.
4. Polyphony
Polyphony is the ability to play different individual notes at the same time. The minimum a digital piano polyphony notes should have is 32 which is good for a beginner, however, for a professional player, it could go up to 264 note polyphony.
Choose the best digital piano according to your preference. As a beginner, 32 voice polyphony is better as it’s easy to learn that 128 voice polyphony.
5. Budget
Different digital pianos have a variety of features and specs which are reflected through the cost. Also, according to different brands, the cost is bound to vary.
As much as digital pianos costs are cheap it can also go as far as thousands of dollars. When choosing your ideal piano, go for the features you would like in a piano at a pocket-friendly price.
Best for Short Budget – Yamaha P45 88 Weighted Keys Digital Piano
- Includes the P45 Digital Piano, power adapter, sustain pedal and music rest
- 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic piano
- Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos
- Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. Tuning- 414.8 - 440.0 - 446.8 Hz
Which is better: Digital piano with 88 weighted keys vs digital piano with semi-weighted keys?
There are three variances in the weight of keys being played. What determines the weight of keys is the spring action with the resistance when playing it. The semi-weighted keys are therefore different from weighted keys.
The semi-weighted keys are likely to have more resistance than unweighted keys. Thus, it is more responsive to your touch. When we focus on the weighted keys, they have more responsiveness to your touch and create more resistance when playing.
The weighted keys are way better than semi-weighted keys. The weighted digital piano encourages your finger’s strength since the keys are touch-sensitive.
The harder you press the key the heavier the sound while the light the touch the lighter the sound. This happens because of the spring action.
Using a weighted key will bring you a realistic sound when making your music and the feel is different from the non-weighted keys.
Also, when you are aspiring to play with an acoustic piano, the weighted keys digital piano is full emulation of an acoustic piano thus you can transition well without a change in the feel and the sound.
Conclusion
As a beginner or professional, you need to have 88 weighted keys digital piano. Playing it brings the beginner player closer to an acoustic piano while the professional can make quality music due to authenticity in sounds produced.
They provide you with the ability to carry your piano around and the ability to have free learning tools to allow you to hone your skills.
From the above information, you were able to learn more about the best digital piano with 88 weighted keys, and hope it gives you enough motivation to acquire one.
